Q: I have had ‘Friends to Lovers’ on repeat since I first listened! Can you share the story behind this song?
Melina: Throughout high school I had several experiences dating people who denied having interest in their girl best friend, only to find out after the relationship that they lied. I wrote this song from the perspective of the insecurity and anger I felt during and following these dramatic situations. It felt really freeing to finally be able to share my experience sonically and lyrically!
Q: You have an incredible way of telling a story with a theatrical vibe in your music. What inspired this unique sound?
Melina: Thank you!! I'm a total theatre kid and have been since I saw the musical Wicked when I was little! I wrote my first song for a Write-Your-Own-Musical Summer Program at The Real School of Music when I was around 10 years old, and that sparked me into expressing my emotions through songwriting. I continued acting and doing musical theatre through high school, and have always been super influenced by artists/groups like Sara Bareilles, ABBA (Mamma Mia the musical is iconic), The Killers, and Paramore. It has been so exciting to see people resonate with my sound! :)
Q: If you could collaborate with any artist in the world, who would you pick and why?
Melina: Abigail Barlow! Not only is she a creative pop icon who found her stride in the industry through promoting via Tik Tok, but she also writes musical theatre songs. Her duo with Emily Bear, Barlow & Bear, wrote the entirety of the Grammy-nominated The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical and took the theatre scene by storm! I also love her modern approach to marketing and how driven she is. It would be a dream to write with her one day.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from studying at Belmont University?
Melina: I am super grateful to be a Belmont University Grammy U Campus Ambassador, and through this connection with Nicole Lewis I was able to be a part of the RedBull SoundClash: Bren Joy vs Jake Wesley Rogers Street Team. Getting to attend the exclusive Q&A with the Belmont Alum artists as well as cheer them on from the front row of Marathon Music Works was an experience I will cherish forever. Me and my best friends all went together and sang the lyrics at the top of our lungs!
Q: What are some of your favorite spots to go in Nashville?
Melina: I work at Song Suffragettes as a Social Media Manager Intern and through this experience The Listening Room Cafe has become like a second home to me. I love getting to support female country artists weekly and work with a team of empowering women. In terms of food spots in Nashville, I absolutely LOVE Nicoletto's house-made pasta on 21st. Bartaco is also a must, my roommates and I go at least once a week because it's just that good.
Q: Do you have any advice to any artists just starting out?
Melina: Be intentional in taking care of yourself throughout the process of releasing/posting music. Opening your heart to the world can bring out so many different emotions and all of them are valid! You decide what you share, who you share with, and when you share on your own clock. Surround yourself with those you love and follow what feels right to you. <3
Written By Sarah Curry
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